Constitution

1.Name.
The organisation shall be called the Woodbridge and Melton Riverside Action Group (WAMRAG; also herein referred to as “the Group”).

2.Objectives.
To work in partnership with local councils, developers, landowners, local businesses and other groups to maintain the Woodbridge and Melton Management Plan.
To monitor developments alongside the river Deben and to seek to reconcile the various interests so as to protect and enhance the long-term viability of the riverside.

3.Definitions.
The riverside area is defined as running from Wilford Bridge downstream to Kyson Point.
The area is bounded on the NW by Melton Road, Lime Kiln Quay Road, Quayside, Station Road and Ipswich Road.
The area includes those parts of the Sutton shore visible from the Woodbridge and Melton riversides.

4. Membership.
The membership is open to anyone interested in the objectives of the Group.
Membership will be based on the payment of an annual subscription as agreed by the members at a General Meeting.
Only members in good standing will be entitled to vote at any meeting or to stand for election.

5. Organisation.
5.1. Steering Group.
The members of the Riverside Group will, at the AGM, elect a Steering Group.
The Steering Group will include representatives of the member clubs, associations or organisations listed in the appendix, and in addition, the AGM may elect individuals who have made themselves known through the Minutes/Mailing Secretary.
Additional members may be co-opted by the Steering Group during the year.
The Steering Group will normally meet four times a year.
The role of the Steering Group is to monitor and approve the work of the Committee.

5.2. Committee.
The general membership will also elect at the AGM a Committee of not more than six members, comprising: a Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary, Publicity Officer, Treasurer and Minuting/Mailing Secretary
The Committee will formulate and carry out the agreed policy objectives of the Riverside Group.
The Committee will meet as necessary to further the objectives of the Group.
The Committee will report back to the Steering Group at least once every quarter.

5.3 General Meetings.
An Annual General Meeting of all members shall be held in the last quarter of each year at which the officers of the Committee will report to the membership, including a financial report.
An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time either by the Committee or by a written request signed by at least 25% of the membership.

6. Procedure.
6.1. The Steering Group.
Meetings shall be chaired by the elected Chairman or, in his absence, by a member elected for that occasion.
Decisions shall be by simple majority of those present.
In the event of a tied vote, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.
Minutes shall be taken by the Minuting Secretary and approved by the Chairman and at least two ordinary members.

6.2. The Committee.
Decisions shall be taken by simple majority.
The Chairman of the Committee shall have a casting vote.
Discussions within the Committee shall remain confidential to members of the Committee.
No communication to the media pertaining to the work of the Riverside Group shall be made unless previously agreed by the Committee.

6.3 Financial
All monies received shall be paid into an account in the name of the Group at bankers approved by the Committee. Cheques shall be signed by no fewer than 2 officers. At the end of the financial year, a statement of the income and expenditure shall be prepared and be presented to the next Annual General Meeting.